Apple recently announced several new accessibility features designed for people with disabilities in mind. Specifically for those who have mobility, vision, hearing, and cognitive disabilities. Their press release states, “These next-generation technologies showcase Apple’s belief that accessibility is a human right and advance the company’s long history of delivering industry-leading features that make Apple products customizable for all users.”

One of the accessibility features is eye-tracking support for the iPad, where individuals can control the iPad by using just their eyes. AssistiveTouch for Apple Watch enables individuals to use the watch without touching the controls or display. It also will be more sensitive to muscle movement and tendon activity. 

The press release also mentions new features for VoiceOver, which is an industry-leading screen reader for individuals who are blind or have low vision. Individuals will be able to now “explore even more details about the people, text, table, data, and other objects within the images.” VoiceOver will also have the ability to describe an object’s or person’s position within the image. 

Additionally, Apple is introducing new background sounds that can be played by the iPhone to “minimize distractions, help users focus, stay calm, or rest,” reported Apple. 

“At Apple, we’ve long felt that the world’s best technology should respond to everyone’s needs, and our teams work relentlessly to build accessibility into everything we make,” said Sarah Herrlinger, Apple’s senior director of Global Accessibility Policy and Initiatives. “With these new features, we’re pushing the boundaries of innovation with next-generation technologies that bring the fun and function of Apple technology to even more people — and we can’t wait to share them with our users.”

Learn which other assistive technology products and features they are releasing - Read the full press release here. 

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